Submitted

Thu, Jun 14th 2018 10:35 am

Public asked to nominate a serviceperson at Made in America locations

The 179th Erie County Fair will see the inauguration of a daily patriotic tradition that will honor veterans and active military members. Beginning Aug. 8 at 6:30 p.m. and continuing each evening during the 12-day run of the fair, a flag retreat ceremony will be held at Slade Park. Each ceremony will be presented by Made In America stores.

"We are asking fairgoers to pause and reflect on our great nation and to remember the men and women for their service, sacrifice and dedication to protecting our country," said Jessica Underberg, Erie County Fair CEO. "We feel this is a wonderful way to extend the mission of our Veterans Day committee to span the entire fair."

During each 8-10-minute ceremony, participating fairgoers will be asked to join in the Pledge of Allegiance. As a lone bugler sounds, an American flag will be lowered and folded by an honorary color guard from a local VFW, Amvets or American Legion post. The flag, which was flown during that day at the fair, will be presented to a veteran and/or an active member of the military who will be the "Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day."

The Erie County Fair Marching Band will perform the "Star Spangled Banner," a chorus of "God Bless America" and the "United States Armed Forces Medley." Made In America stores will donate "made in the USA" flags to be used in the daily presentation.

"For Americans, there's no higher honor than to serve our nation's military," said Mark Andol, founder and owner of Made In America. "As Americans, there's no greater privilege than to say 'Thank you.' We are proud to support what we hope will be a new tradition at the fair."

To nominate a veteran or active member of the military to be named "Flag Retreat Honoree of the Day," the public is asked to complete a nomination form available at any Made in America Store location or at the fair's main office. Those chosen must be available to attend one of the flag retreat ceremonies from Aug. 8-19. They will receive a full-sized American flag, four fair admission passes, a parking pass, a Strates Shows midway card and $20 in meal tickets.